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It isn't always clear, though.And not because someone looks androgynous. Sometimes, people are afraid of coming out as trans, and every time someone uses a 'gender appropriate' pronoun in reference to them, it can hurt.

Gender neutral pronouns can be really awkward - hell, my partner is transgendered and I don't even use them - but it has more to do with the fact that they aren't commonplace and people give me funny looks, which is not always expedient or convenient.

I do appreciate it isn't always clear and I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Certainly, in the off line world, if I'm ever in a situation where it isn't clear, I'd ask and respect what the person prefers. And if someone prefers a gender neutral reference online, I'd respect that too.